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Science News Archive October 2017


Page 3 of 43

Preparing for the power outages and water shortages of the next disaster

A University of Delaware research team is studying how people adapt to power outages and water shortages after disasters. The project aims to optimize risk management strategies and improve societal needs through a multifaceted approach combining engineering modeling techniques, social science methods, and real-world case studies.

Sight unseen

Researchers analyzed over 600 drug and breast cancer cell pairings, revealing significant changes in gene expression without affecting cell growth or survival. The study identified potential synergistic combinations of drugs, including trametinib and alpelisib, to overcome adaptive resistance mechanisms.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The advent of 'green' cattle

A new method of carbon footprinting for pasture-based cattle production systems can identify 'green' cattle within a herd, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that existing methods underestimates the impacts of poorly performing animals, which produce disproportionately large amounts of methane.

Monster colliding black holes might lurk on the edge of spiral galaxies

Researchers at RIT suggest that outer gas disks of big spiral galaxies are suitable for hosting orbiting black holes and merging massive black holes. This discovery could help explain how black-hole pairs form and provide a new way to study the universe using gravitational waves and traditional light measurements.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Important mechanism of epigenetic gene regulation identified

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a crucial mechanism for epigenetic gene regulation, involving the DNMT3A enzyme. This finding provides new insights into the development of aggressive types of leukemia and may lead to more effective treatments.

UNIST unveils new fast-charging, high-energy electric-car battery technology

Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel hydrogen isotope separation system based on porous metal organic frameworks, exhibiting the highest selectivity to date. The system can efficiently separate and store deuterium, with a separation factor of 26, making it more cost-effective than cryogenic distillation methods.

Voltage-driven liquid metal fractals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that applying low voltage to gallium indium can induce the formation of unique fractal patterns. The discovery has significant implications for controlling liquid metals, as it allows for reversible and effective manipulation of surface tension.

Insects and pharmaceutical contamination

Researchers found that insects reared on contaminated diets or irrigated with antibiotics exhibit increased mortality rates and altered development times. This study has implications for integrated pest management and the use of reclaimed wastewater in agriculture.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study shows how memories ripple through the brain

A recent NIH-funded study used innovative NeuroGrid technology to show that sleep boosts communication between the hippocampus and association neocortex, crucial for memory formation. The research suggests that neural dialogue between these regions helps retain information during sleep.

Spooky conservation: Saving endangered species over our dead bodies

A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.

Tsunami reveals human noise pollution in Hawaiian waters

A tsunami in Hawaii's Kona Coast provided a rare glimpse into underwater soundscapes without human disruption, revealing that boat traffic and sonar exercises create the loudest disruptions in bays. This study validates concerns about human noise pollution disrupting dolphin sleep patterns.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Driving drug resistance out of fungi

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive platform to create diploid strains of C. albicans, allowing for the efficient deletion of genes involved in drug resistance and biofilm formation. The approach identified synergistic combinations of genes that contribute to these traits.

Early warning health and welfare system could save farmers millions of pounds

A new early warning system called Y-Ware is being developed to alert farmers to the risk of disease among their young cattle stock, aiming to improve health and welfare while reducing antimicrobial use. The project utilizes machine learning techniques and real-time data from sensors to provide an early warning system for health.

Microscopic defects make batteries better

Researchers found that microscopic defects in electrodes enable lithium to hop inside the cathode along multiple directions, increasing reactive surface area and allowing for more efficient exchange of lithium ions. This discovery challenges traditional thinking on how electrode shape should be optimized for battery performance.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UT professor studies effects of medicaid expansion

A study published in Population Health Management found that state-level Medicaid expansion improved health care access among low-income US residents, increasing insurance coverage and reducing barriers to care. Residents in non-expansion states were disproportionately negatively affected by the decision not to expand Medicaid coverage.

Nanoscale platform aims to control protein levels

Rice University scientists invented a bifunctional recognition system called NanoDeg to target specific proteins and regulate their degradation. This plug-and-play system allows for precise control over protein expression levels, enabling the study of cellular dynamics and synthetic gene circuits.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Population, wellbeing, and climate change mitigation

A study links population growth to increased social cost of carbon dioxide and potential savings in climate mitigation costs by reducing emissions. The model suggests that minimal population growth can lead to substantial annual savings.

UTHealth researchers' intriguing study

UTHealth researchers identified a key factor in mid-life cell aging that can predict Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms appear. The study found that mice lacking IL33 gene experienced dementia at age 68, highlighting the potential of this protein as a biomarker for early detection.

Good vibrations: Smart access to homes and cars using fingers

VibWrite integrates passcode, behavioral, and physiological characteristics to verify users, offering a low-cost security solution that resists attacks and can be deployed on any solid surface. The system has verified legitimate users with over 95% accuracy in trials and shows promise for commercialization in the near future.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Work-family balance can tip wrong way for some young doctors

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that female medical interns are more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression than their male counterparts, with a significant portion due to work-family responsibilities. The research suggests that the conflict between long work hours and household duties can predispose individuals...

Sulfur respiration in mammals

Researchers identified a sulfur metabolite with antioxidant activity that supports mitochondrial energy metabolism, a crucial process for cellular function. This finding highlights the potential of enzymes involved in sulfur respiration to treat diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Liquids take a shine to terahertz radiation

Researchers at TIFR devise compact terahertz radiation source using laboratory liquids, achieving energies thousands of times larger than existing sources. The discovery opens doors to applications in terahertz imaging, material analysis, and explosives detection.

Face and color processing in humans

Researchers used neurostimulation to activate brain regions associated with face and color processing, inducing illusory faces and rainbows in a patient. The findings suggest functional and anatomical specificity of these brain regions.

Despite improvements, death rates from lupus remain disproportionately high

A nationwide population-based study found that death rates from lupus remain high compared to the general population, with significant disparities observed among older persons, females, blacks, and Hispanics. The study suggests that targeted research and public health programs may help address these disparities.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Moving neuroscience into the fast lane

A new high-throughput system enables rapid and standardized mouse behavior and physiology studies, reducing experimental animal usage and time requirements. The system aims to facilitate reproducibility and data sharing, addressing issues of varying training protocols and data comparison across labs.

People who value virtue show wiser reasoning

A new study published in Psychological Science finds that individuals motivated to develop the best in themselves and others tend to reason wisely about their own personal problems. The research highlights two key components of wise reasoning: considering other people's perspectives and intellectual humility.

AUGS publishes best practice statement on pelvic organ prolapse

The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) has published a Best Practice Statement on pelvic organ prolapse, emphasizing the importance of proper evaluation and counseling for women. The statement outlines treatment options, including physical therapy, pessaries, and surgery, tailored to individual patient needs.

Food odor enhances male flies' attractiveness

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that female flies become more receptive to courting males when they smell their favorite food. The study found that vinegar odor boosts the perception of a male sex pheromone, increasing the likelihood of mating.

Willingness to take risks -- a personality trait

Researchers found a stable general factor of risk preference that affects decisions across different areas of life. This trait shares the psychometric structure of major psychological characteristics and can be measured using self-reports and frequency measures of actual risky activities.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

The relentless rise of migration in Europe over last 10,000 years

Researchers found that prehistoric migration rates increased in three distinct pulses, coinciding with the spread of agriculture, Bronze Age advancements, and Iron Age population growth. This suggests a strong link between technological innovation and human mobility.

New approach for treatment of contact allergy

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an RNA aptamer that specifically targets CCL17, blocking its interaction with T cells and dendritic cells. This approach shows promise for treating contact allergies by reducing inflammatory responses in mice.

Native trees, shrubs provide more food for birds

University of Delaware doctoral student Desiree Narango found that native trees are better at providing caterpillars for birds, which is a crucial food resource. In contrast, non-native plants offer little to no resources for breeding birds.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Bonding benefits of breastfeeding extend years beyond infancy

A longitudinal study published by the American Psychological Association found that women who breastfed their children longer exhibited greater maternal sensitivity well past infancy and toddler years. The effect sizes were small, suggesting the bond may be strengthened through multiple interactions, not just breastfeeding.

Graphene enables high-speed electronics on flexible materials

Researchers at Chalmers University have developed a flexible terahertz detector using graphene transistors on plastic substrates. The device detects signals in the frequency range of 330 to 500 gigahertz, opening up various applications including imaging sensors and wireless communications.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Funding of millions for TU Graz-lead projects from university owned funds

TU Graz is awarding €2 million to the 'Mechanics, Modeling and Simulation of Aortic Dissection' project and €1.5 million to the 'Porous Materials @ Work' project to advance research in biomechanics and materials sciences. The funding will support the development of simulation models and algorithms to diagnose and treat aortic dissections.

Pitt and UPMC researchers collaborate to save more organs for transplants

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel stent to maintain blood flow to organs during transplant surgeries, potentially doubling successful organ donations. The stent, made of smart material, will direct selective blood flow to visceral arteries without disturbing the heart.

Cobalt and tungsten -- the key to cheaper, cleaner hydrogen

Researchers have designed a new catalyst made of cobalt and tungsten that reduces the cost of electrolytic hydrogen production by splitting water molecules at very low voltages. This process avoids the use of expensive and scarce precious metals like iridium.

3-D-printed device builds better nanofibers

A new 3D-printed device produces nanofiber meshes with reduced variation in diameters, making it suitable for various applications such as tissue engineering, water filtration, and body armor. The device's design flexibility and fast iteration capabilities make it a promising technology for commercialization.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Virtual reality reduces phantom pain in paraplegics

Researchers at EPFL used virtual reality to reduce phantom pain in paraplegics by creating an illusion of tactile stimulation on the legs. The study, published in Neurology, found that subjects who experienced this illusion reported decreased pain levels.

Smart artificial beta cells could lead to new diabetes treatment

Artificial beta cells mimic the body's natural glucose-controllers and can be subcutaneously inserted into patients or delivered via a painless skin patch. In lab experiments and animal models, they demonstrated rapid responsiveness to excess glucose levels and normalized blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.

Food should be marketed as a 'meal' rather than a 'snack' to avoid overeating

A recent study published in the journal Appetite found that marketing food as a 'meal' rather than a 'snack' can lead to reduced consumption and overeating. Researchers discovered that participants who consumed pasta labelled as a 'snack' ate more at a subsequent taste test compared to those who had eaten it as a 'meal'. This suggests ...

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.